Cryptic (A Calum Hood Fanfiction)

Chapter #9

Annabel's POV:

We pull into a long, narrow driveway to a secluded area where a big building sits. As we get closer, I squint my eyes and read the sign on the front door: F.B.I. "You work for the F.B.I.?" I inquire, furrowing my eyebrows. Calum simply nods his head as he parks the car and steps out, strolling over to the passenger seat and opening the door for me. After I slide out of the car, Calum shuts the door, before intertwining our hands as we walk towards the building. At the front double doors, Calum types in a series of codes into a keypad, swipes an I.D./license, and gets his hand scanned, before the door finally unlocks and we can enter the building.

"Stay close to me and don't make eye contact with anyone," he advises and I gulp, taking a step closer. We stride over to an elevator and ride it up to the last floor; #14. "Are you feeling alright?" Calum asks, as we ride up the elevator; I'm sure he's taken notice to my pale face, wide eyes, and the fact that I'm rocking on my heels as I bite my nails.

"Do you want the truth? I'm trying my hardest not to break down and rip out my hair," I sigh, letting out a light chuckle as I shake my head and run a hand through my hair.

"Annabel," Calum starts, cupping my face. "I never break my promises and I make a promise to you that, as long as I'm here, I'll protect you and make sure you're safe, ok?" He caresses my cheek as a single tear slides down, but I wipe it away before he can notice.

"I just cannot fathom how my life has changed so drastically in a matter of a mere week; it's a lot to take in," I sniffle. "I've been forced to up and leave my old life and I'm not good with change. Plus, what am I going to tell my friends? And my family, oh my..." I ramble on.

"I'll take care of all of that; you have enough stress to deal with," Calum assures me, but I immediately wave him off.

"If anyone is under stress, I can only assume it's you; I didn't realize the extent of my danger; you work for the F.B.I.," I exclaim. Just then, the elevator dings and Calum entwines our hands once again as we step out; it's a little strange holding hands with Calum, but I like the way his hand feels connected with mine. We turn a corner and saunter into a large meeting room, a long table in the center with about 10 chairs around, 8 of them already occupied.

"Calum, Annabel, take a seat; we have a lot of business to go over and deal with, but little time to do so," a man at the front states, standing to greet us. Luckily, there are two empty seats next to each other, so I'm not completely surrounded by strangers. "Alright, Annabel," the man starts. "My name is Lance Dannings, but I go by Mr. Dannings. I'd say I'm pleased to meet you or it's a pleasure to meet you acquaintance, but I don't see nostalgic greetings fit in this situation, do you agree?"

"Yes, sir," I reply.

"Annabel, do you remember anything strange about your childhood?" He questions.

"Not that I can recall," I answer.

"Specifically on the day of your birth?" He elaborates.

"No, sir," I answer again.

"Annabel, around the time of your birth, some very sensitive government information was leaked and we were fortunate to get hold of it before the government could, lucky for us. We assigned our most trusted employee to take care of it for us, but things got out of hand and he was on the run from the government, which as you can only assume, is not a simple task. He had to get rid of the chip containing the information as quick as possible, but hide it in a place where it would never be found, in fear of the government ever obtaining the information. So, before he left town, he took a detour to the hospital, which happened to have been the day you were born. Cutting to the chase, he slipped into the room where all the babies were kept as they received their minor check-ups and thought, what better place to hide the chip than inside a human; it's truly genius, but as I'm sure you're catching on, he hid the chip inside of you," he explains. I am speechless; my jaw is dropped in pure shock and I feel as though I may faint at any moment. Someone taps me on the shoulder and I jump, but am relieved when they hand me over a cup of water. I gulp it down in one sip, but my throat is still dry. In an attempt to comfort me, Calum squeezes my hand, but it's a lost cause.

"Why can't you just remove the chip?" I cry.

"As much as we'd like to, it's not that easy, Annabel. You see, the operation in order to remove the chip is a very serious and risky one. A lot can go wrong and I'm not one for sugar-coating when I say it can lead to your death..." He trails off.

"W-Where exactly is the chip?" I murmur.

"It's right by your heart," he whispers.

----

"M-My heart?" I stutter, trying to stay strong and contain the tears that are ready to burst.

"Now you understand why we simply cannot remove the chip from inside of you," Mr. Dannings tells. "But, we're all here to protect you and that chip," Mr. Dannings adds. Then, he takes a seat and a lady stands.

"Annabel, my name is Jean Fredock, but you may call me Jean," she starts. "We have a suite here reserved for you and Calum, who will be staying with you for protection and to help you get settled in to your new life, because I understand how difficult this transition is going to be. We'll have some of our agents gather the rest of your things from your apartment and as for our story; you received an amazing opportunity to study plant-life in the Caribbean islands that you simply couldn't deny and you're unaware how long you'll be gone." Jean takes a seat and Mr. Dannings dismisses everyone, but I find myself unable to move.

"Come along, Annabel," Calum urges. "Mr. Dannings sent someone to retrieve your suitcase from the car." I do not reply, in too much shock to form a coherent sentence. "Annabel, I know this is a lot to take in all at once, but we can talk more in our suite," he adds. I remain silent. "Annabel, everything is going to be okay," he promises and I almost laugh, but I don't have it in me to even let out a small chuckle. How can everyone take this situation so lightly and casually? My whole life has evolved with a few sentences from people who were nothing but strangers a minute ago. Calum sighs and I sense that he's growing impatient. "Annabel, please do not cause a scene," he worries and I roll my eyes, finally standing from my seat and pushing past Calum as I stride towards the elevator. I press the button signaling the elevator and enter without bothering to check if Calum has followed, but he has and he clicks the button to floor #12. Once we reach our destination, we both exit the elevator, me following behind Calum until we're standing in front of our suite. Calum fishes out a pair of keys from his pocket and unlocks the door, stepping inside. "Home sweet home," he shrugs, trying to lighten the mood, but failing miserably. "Aren't you going to come inside?" He asks as he notices that I am still standing at the doorstep.

"First, I'd like to make one thing clear; this is not my home, nor will it ever be my home," I state, tears stinging my eyes. Then, I run to the bathroom, lock the door, and finally break down.

Author's Note;

I'd just to like to add that I realize not all of the medical information and details are going to be correct or accurate; I'm a 14-year old girl, not a doctor with a Ph.D or a master's degree, so bear with me! Thank you & I hope you enjoyed the chapter :)

-Carly